David Dunbar and his mother, Elena Dunbar, had just moved to Beacon Hills. While his mum stayed behind to arrange their new apartment, David headed out for his first day at his new school—Beacon Hills High.
As soon as David arrived, he noticed a boy struggling with his locker. Without hesitation, he stepped in to help. Once the locker finally opened, the boy looked relieved.
"Thanks, man," he said. "What's your name?"
"David Dunbar. I'm new here," David replied.
"Yeah, I figured," the boy chuckled. "I'm Alex."
They shook hands, and Alex grinned. "Tell you what—since you helped me out, I'll be your tour guide for the day."
David smiled appreciatively. "Thanks, I'd like that."
Alex led him toward their first class. While David was settling into his seat, a pretty girl walked in and sat in front of him. David couldn't help but stare. He leaned toward Alex, who was seated beside him.
"Hey, who's that?" David whispered.
Alex glanced forward. "Oh, that's Sarah. One of the hottest girls in the school. But she's taken—by a real jerk. He's also the football team captain, so if I were you, I'd look away before he notices."
"If he's such a jerk," David muttered, "why is she still with him?"
Alex shrugged. "Beats me."
David tried to focus on the lesson, but his eyes kept drifting back to Sarah.
When class dismissed, Alex started taking David toward the football locker room. On the way, Sarah passed by, but her bag slipped from her shoulder and spilled onto the floor. David immediately rushed over and helped her pick everything up.
"Thank you," Sarah said warmly.
"No problem," David replied.
She tilted her head slightly. "You're new here, aren't you?"
"Yeah. Just moved in today."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Sarah."
"I'm David. It's a pleasure to meet you," he said, then added without thinking, "I've heard you're the most gorgeous girl in this school."
Sarah smiled. "Oh? And who told you that?"
"My friend over there," David said, pointing to Alex.
"Oh," she laughed.
"I also heard something else," David said curiously.
"And what would that be?" Sarah asked.
Before David could answer, a voice cut in sharply. "What do you want, pretty boy?"
It was Sarah's boyfriend, Jack.
Alex quickly stepped in. "It's nothing, Jack. We were just leaving."
"That's right," Jack said coldly. "Leave my property alone."
David clenched his fists. "She's not property—especially not yours."
Jack's face darkened as he raised his fist, but Sarah grabbed his arm, stopping him. Alex immediately pulled David away and hurried him toward the football locker room.
Inside, Coach Will gathered the team. "Today, I'm switching things up," he announced. "Some reserves will join the first eleven, and some of the first eleven will move to the reserves."
He organized a practice match and placed David as a defender for the reserves.
The whistle blew for the first half.
By halftime, the first eleven were leading 5–2.
After the break, Coach Will made a tactical change, moving David into central midfield. The whistle blew again.
During the second half, Jack positioned himself close to the reserves' goal, ready to score. David timed his tackle perfectly, stealing the ball cleanly. As David ran forward, Jack shoved him from behind.
The whistle blew for a free kick.
Jack pulled David up and whispered, "Try that again, and next time I'll go for your legs." He tossed the ball at David. "Play."
David ignored him and took the free kick.
As the match neared its end, the reserves pressed hard. The ball found David, who crossed it perfectly to Alex. Alex scored.
6–3.
Moments later, the ball came to David again. He crossed it into the box, where his teammate was fouled. A penalty was awarded.
The teammate handed the ball to David. "You take it."
David placed the ball carefully, took a breath, and struck.
Goal.
6–4.
The final whistle blew.
Coach Will selected David, Alex, and two other reserve players to join the first eleven, while four players were moved down to the reserves.
To celebrate, Jack announced he would be hosting a party at his house that night.
After school, David and Alex stood by the school gate as they watched Sarah get into Jack's car. Jack drove off, leaving David quiet.
Alex noticed and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I told you she was taken."
"I know," David said. "It's just… the way he treats her gets on my nerves."
"It doesn't concern us," Alex replied. "She doesn't seem to be complaining."
"That doesn't make it right," David said.
Alex sighed. "He didn't force her. She knew who he was when she agreed to date him."
David nodded. "Yeah. You're right."
"Of course I am," Alex said with a grin. "So—are you coming to Jack's party tonight?"
"I don't know," David said. "Jack and I aren't exactly friends. Plus, I don't even know where he lives."
"Easy," Alex said. "Be at school by 8:00 p.m. I'll take you."
David hesitated.
"Come on," Alex added teasingly. "You might see Sarah."
David raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said she was taken."
Alex laughed. "That doesn't mean you can't talk to her. Who knows? You might be her Romeo—just in secret."
David laughed. "Alright. I'll be there."
"Cool."
They fist-bumped. Alex climbed into his jeep and drove off, while David hopped onto his bicycle and rode home.